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Jesse’s eyes was a side of him I’d never seen before.  It scared me, but also made me feel so loved and protected at the same time. 
    “You come near her again, I swear to God I will kick your ass.  Your buddies aren’t here to help you and we both know how it’ll turn out.  But, I’m telling you right now, I will track you down every day and kick your ass if you come near her again.”
    They seemed locked like that forever, each waiting for the other to blink first.  When Alex finally did, Jesse let go of Alex’s collar.  Alex straightened the crumpled shirt and stepped around Jesse, but not before he caught my eye with the coldest glare I’d ever seen.  I stood motionless until Jesse walked over to me. 
    “Are you okay?” he asked softly, smoothing my hair back and then his hand rested on my arm.
    “Yeah, I’m fine,” I said, watching Alex walk back to the fire. 
    “I’m sorry, Riley.  I came over as soon as Holly showed me what was happening.”
    “I’m okay,” I said, sliding my arms around his waist and resting my head against his chest, relieved he was with me.  He wrapped his arms around me and I felt safe, just like I always did with him. 
    “I can’t believe he did that.  What did he say to you?”
    “It doesn’t matter,” I said, snuggling deeper into his embrace.  It didn’t matter either.  The last time I’d let Alex’s words get to me, I’d almost given everything up that mattered to me.  I wasn’t going to let that happen again. “All that matters is that you’re here, once again, saving my butt.”
    I started laughing, but he pulled away, looking down at me with a serious expression.
    “I’m always here for you.” He leaned down and kissed me softly, with a tenderness, so unlike the primal, rawness I had just experienced with Alex.  It was the greatest feeling in the world. 

 
    Chapter Four
     
    The moment we pulled up to Jesse’s house, I instantly felt better.  Jesse was my safe place and so was his house.  His dad left us alone and we could just be ourselves.  After what happened with Alex, I just wanted to get away from the party.  I didn’t want him ruining anything else for me.  The others had stayed though and to be honest, I was glad they had.  I wanted some time with just Jesse and me. 
    “Where’s your dad?” I asked when we got out of the Jeep, having noticed the dark house. 
    “Poker at Uncle Glenn’s house.” 
    “I’m glad it’s just us here.”
    “Me too,” he said, taking my hand and leading me inside. 
    We went into the living room and I sat down on the couch, expecting Jesse to do the same, but he didn’t.
    “I’ll be right back,” he said and disappeared into the kitchen.  I heard him fumbling around in the cabinets and a few minutes later, he reappeared holding two plates. 
    “So,” he said, grinning proudly. “I know how much you love cheesecake, so I attempted to make you one.  It’s your mom’s recipe.”
    “Are you serious?” I asked and I could feel my grin spread from ear to ear. 
    “I was planning on giving it to you tomorrow, but since tonight turned out to be a bust, I figured now was the perfect time.  I’m not making any promises though,” he said, sitting down and handing me a plate. “But, I did my best, so try not to be too harsh when you taste it.”
    “I’m sure it’s great and even if it’s not, I’m still super impressed you made me a cheesecake. I’ve never even made a cheesecake,” I said as I scooped up a piece and placed it in my mouth, expecting to be greeted with the same sweet deliciousness that I’d always experienced whenever my mom made it.  I wasn’t.  I tried smiling through the strange taste.  It was as if he’d forgotten the sugar.
    “You hate it,” he said and I could see the disappointment in his eyes.
    “No, it’s great!” I said, swallowing hard as the cheesecake slid down my throat.
    Jesse looked doubtful as he took a bite himself.  His face